Yonsei Med J.  2009 Oct;50(5):732-735. 10.3349/ymj.2009.50.5.732.

Intestinal Endometriosis Mimicking Carcinoma of Rectum and Sigmoid Colon: A Report of Five Cases

• Kim JS
• Hur H
• Min BS
• Kim H
• Sohn SK
• Cho CH
• Kim NK

• KMID: 1103833
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2009.50.5.732

Abstract

Among women with intestinal endometriosis, the sigmoid colon and rectum are the most commonly involved areas. Sometimes, the differential diagnosis of colorectal endometriosis from carcinoma of the colon and rectum is difficult due to similar colonoscopic and radiologic findings. From October 2002 to September 2007, we performed five operations with curative intent for rectal and sigmoid colon cancer that revealed intestinal endometriosis. Colonoscopic and radiologic findings were suggestive of carcinoma of rectum and sigmoid colon, such as rectal cancer, sigmoid colon cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Anterior resection was performed in two patients, low anterior resection was performed in one patient and laparoscopic low anterior resection was done in two patients. We suggest to consider also intestinal endometriosis in reproductive women presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and an intestinal mass of unknown origin.

Keyword

Intestinal endometriosis; endometriosis; colorectal neoplasm

MeSH Terms

Adult
Carcinoma/*diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Endometriosis/*diagnosis/pathology/surgery
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Rectal Neoplasms/*diagnosis
Sigmoid Neoplasms/*diagnosis

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Colonoscopic finding. Ulcerofungating mass 8 cm above the anal verge is suspicious for rectal cancer. (B) CT scan of the pelvis shows rectal mass with perirectal tumor infiltration (Case 2).

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  Fig. 2 (A) Gross specimen. The polypoid mass is seen on the laparoscopically resected rectum. (B) The mass was revealed as endometriosis, which is composed of stroma and glands of endometrium, upon microscopic analysis (Hematoxylin Eosin×100) (Case 5).

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